MEDC helping Alma’s Wright Park project raise funds

Sean Bradley - Morning Sun
A group of citizens in Alma wants to raise money for new equipment to rebuild the wooden play structure at Wright Park in Alma. The "Rebuilding Wright DREAM Park" committee received the OK from the city commission to begin fundraising for the project, which they hope to complete by next summer.

A new crowdfunding campaign is underway to raise $50,000 by March 28 for the rebuilding and modernizing of Wright Park in Alma.

If the campaign reaches its goal, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Spaces Community Places program, according to a news release.

“With the partnership through the MEDC, a matching grant of $50,000 will help us finish our project and bring the new playscape to Alma this summer,” said Andi Whitmore, chairperson of the “Rebuild the Alma Wright DREAM Park” group. “We are thankful for the honorary Dream Team member of the Public Spaces Community Places grant program.”

Money raised will create a new structure to provide play opportunities that meet today’s playground equipment standards and need for a new inclusive play space. The hard Michigan winters, as well as decades of use, has worn the park to its current dilapidated condition.

Advertisement

The new playscape will offer age-appropriate structures for children aged two to 12 years.

The design has been recognized by PlayCore, a leader in play and recreation research, programming, and products, for meeting its “7 Principles of Inclusive Playgrounds” standards and has been named a national demonstration site by the company. The new equipment comes with a lifetime guarantee and will be able to withstand Michigan winters and years of childs’ play.

So far, more than $100,000 of its overall $200,000 goal has been raised, according to Whitmore.

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, in which local residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC.

The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan.

State officials commented on the new campaign and the project, which was announced last summer.

“It is great to see that cities like Alma are taking the initiative to create safer and more inclusive space for play in their communities,” said Katharine Czarnecki, MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development. “The Public Spaces Community Places program is pleased to provide resources for and serve as a partner in this effort.”

Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League, also commented on the project.

“Being welcoming is one of the key attributes of successful communities in the 21st century,” Gilmartin said. “Alma’s creation of a playscape that meets the highest standards of inclusive playgrounds clearly puts out the welcome mat for children and families.”

Other projects at the park include pickle ball courts, a community garden, and a new restroom facility.